Sensory Motor Skills 

Sensory Motor Skills 

Jeanette Loftus

Sensory motor skills is the ability to receive sensory information, process it and then use it to coordinate a motor response. These skills are so important for a child's development and are categorized into fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor skills. 

Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles in the hands and fingers to perform tasks that require precision, coordination, and dexterity. Examples of fine motor skills include writing, buttoning a shirt, cutting with scissors, and using utensils to eat. Symptoms of fine motor skill difficulties may include poor handwriting, difficulty with buttons and zippers, trouble using scissors, and avoiding activities that require fine motor skills.

Gross motor skills involve the use of the large muscles in the body for tasks that require strength, balance, and coordination. Examples of gross motor skills include running, jumping, climbing, and throwing a ball. Symptoms of gross motor skill difficulties may include clumsiness, difficulty with balance and coordination, tire easily during physical activities, and avoiding activities that require gross motor skills.

Oral motor skills refer to the movements and actions of the muscles in the mouth, lips, and tongue for tasks such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Examples of oral motor skills include blowing bubbles, licking an ice cream cone, and pronouncing words clearly. Symptoms of oral motor skill difficulties may include difficulty with speech clarity, trouble chewing and swallowing, and avoiding foods with different textures.

It's important to note that sensory motor skill development varies from child to child, and some children may take longer than others to develop these skills.

However, if a child consistently struggles with sensory motor skills, it may be a sign of a developmental delay or disorder, such as developmental coordination disorder or dyspraxia.